City Attorney's Office (Legal Services) FY2020 Budget PresentationCopyrighted
February 7, 2019
City of Dubuque Public Hearings # 2.
ITEM TITLE: City Attorney's Office (Legal Services) FY20 Budget
Presentation
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
City Attorney's Office FY2020 Budget Outline
Type
Supporting Documentation
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Legal
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LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Budget Highlights
FY 2018
Actual
FY 2019
Budget
FY 2020
Requested
% Change
From FY 2019
Budget
Expenses
Employee Expense 704,413 715,560 783,976 9.6 %
Supplies and Services 201,418 249,943 202,703 (18.9)%
Machinery and Equipment 1,697 500 9,717 1,843.4 %
Total 907,528 966,003 996,396 3.1 %
Resources
Administrative Overhead Recharges 428,657 456,307 502,196 10.1 %
Section 8 -Legal Services 820 ——0.0 %
Cable TV -Legal Services 573 ——0.0 %
Reimbursements 27 ——0.0 %
County Revenue 4,400 3,000 3,000 0.0 %
Total 434,477 459,307 505,196 10.0 %
Property Tax Support 473,051 506,696 491,200 (15,496)
Percent Increase (Decrease)(3.1)%
Personnel - Authorized FTE 4.62 4.62 5.62
Improvement Package Summary
1 of 1
This improvement level decision package request is for the addition of a creation of a Civil Rights
Specialist. This position would accept, review, and investigate complaints of discrimination in
employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, education, and other areas within the city
organization and community at-large and perform both internal and community education activities
related to civil rights. This request supports the City Council Goal of a "Financially Responsible, High-
Performance City Organization." Recurring costs include wages and benefits, monthly phone service
and data service. Non-Recurring costs include computer, tablet, smartphone and desk phone.
Related Cost:$78,815 Tax Funds Recurring Recommend - Yes
Related Revenue:$39,744 Administrative Overhead Recurring
Related Cost:$7,825 Tax Funds Non-Recurring
Related Revenue:$3,946 Administrative Overhead Non-Recurring
Total Cost:$42,950
Property Tax Impact:$0.0169 0.16%
Activity: Information Services
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Significant Line Items
Employee Expense
1. FY 2020 employee expense reflects a 1.5% wage package increase.
2. The Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) City contribution of 9.44% is unchanged
from FY 2019 The employee contribution of 6.29% is unchanged from FY 2019.
3. The City portion of health insurance expense decreased from $1,193 in FY 2019 to $921 in FY
2020 per month per contract which results in annual cost savings of -$13,680 or -22.77%.
4. Overtime expense is unchanged from $3,000 in FY 2019 to $3,000 in FY 2020. FY 2018 Actual was
$1,770.
5. Sick Leave Payout increased from $14,957 in FY 2019 to $14,968 in FY 2020.
Supplies & Services
6. Subscriptions increased from $14,948 in FY 2019 to $15,695 in FY 2020 based on FY 2019 Budget
plus 5%.
7. Damage Claims decreased from $137,848 in FY 2019 to $91,380 in FY 2020 based on a three year
average of actual claims paid. The City reimburses Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAAP) up
to $20,000 per claim.
8. Education and Training unchanged from $13,500 in FY 2019 to $13,500 in FY 2020 based on actual
estimated cost of conferences.
9. Administrative Judge unchanged from $14,724 in FY 2019 to $14,724 in FY 2020. This line item
represents the cost for human rights complaint investigations including the public hearing expense
for an administrative law judge.
10. Rental of Space increased from $23,737 in FY 2019 to $24,688 in FY 2020. This line item includes
parking for the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney and Senior Counsel ($2,304) and office rent
($22,080).
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Machinery & Equipment
1. Purchase of equipment for FY 2020 includes ($9,717):
Legal Services
Smartphones (3)$1,642
Desk Phones (2)$500
Desk Chair (1)$4,250
Chair Mats (1)$100
Recommended Improvement Package $3,225
Total Equipment $9,717
Revenue
11. Revenue received from Enterprise Funds for administrative overhead charges increased from
$456,307 in FY 2019 to $502,196 in FY 2020.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The mission of the City Attorney’s Office is to provide legal counsel to the City Council, City
Manager, and all officials and departments of the City in matters relating to their official duties so
that the City delivers excellent municipal services that support urban living and a sustainable City
plan for the community’s future and that facilitate access to critical human services which result
in financially sound City government and citizens getting services and value for their tax dollar.
SUCCESS IS ABOUT PLANNING, PARTNERSHIPS, AND PEOPLE
LEADING TO OUTCOMES
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020
Full-Time Equivalent 4.62 4.62 5.62
The City Attorney’s Office is supported by 5.62 full-time equivalent employees. Overall, the department’s
expenses are expected to increase by 3.1% in FY 2020 compared to FY 2019.
Expenditures by Category by Fiscal Year
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Overview
The chief legal officer of the City of Dubuque is the City Attorney, who provides counsel and
direction to the City by attending meetings of the City Council and selected boards and
commissions. The City Attorney is assisted by two full-time Assistant City Attorneys, a Paralegal,
and a Legal Assistant. The City Attorney’s Office represents the City in all cases before the federal
and state courts and administrative agencies where the City has an interest.
The City Attorney’s Office processes all claims and suits for and against the City and provides
written opinions to the City Council, boards and commissions, the City Manager, and City
departments. The City Attorney’s Office assists in the preparation and review of legal documents,
legislation, and other matters in which there is a City interest.
The City Attorney’s Office prosecutes ordinance and traffic violations, represents City boards and
commissions, provides advice on legal opinions to officials, department managers, and City
employees, and drafts legal documents, memoranda, and opinions.
Position Summary
FY 2020
PARALEGAL 2.00
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 1.00
CITY ATTORNEY 1.00
SENIOR COUNSEL 0.62
CIVIL RIGHTS SPECIALIST 1.00
Total FT Equivalent Employees 5.62
Highlights of the Past Year
Key West Drive and Twin Ridge Areas - Water and utility extensions coordinated with
purchase of water system and county road improvements. Increased water pressure and
quality to residents in these areas and expanded water service further beyond city limits south
and toward the Airport
Southwest Arterial Project Property Acquisitions - Condemnation appeals in District Court
and Supreme Court.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Bee Branch Project Property Acquisitions - Continuing environmental issues for Morrison
Brothers Property and Blum Properties for the Bee Branch Project.
Bee Branch Railroad Project - Finalize construction documents and negotiation documents
for the railroad acquisition for the Bee Branch Project.
Flexsteel, Inc. - Monitoring Development Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Redevelopment
Project Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Dubuque Initiatives.
• Property Tax Appeals - Disposed of eight property tax appeals on behalf of the Board of
Review.
• Water and Other Utility Extensions - Obtained easements and properties necessary to run
utilities beyond city limits out to the airport; secure new and future utility customers outside of
city limits through the annexation process
3000 Jackson Street - Worked with City staff and new owners to create a development
agreement and pathway toward demolition, stabilization, safety, and repair of this historically
significant building.
Land Exchange for Timber-Hyrst Park - Facilitated property transactions with property
owners near City owned land for future development of a park.
The Miracle League of Dubuque - Negotiation and execution of partnership agreement and
Lease for Miracle League Complex on City park land.
Chaplain Schmitt Island - Negotiation and execution of agreement with the Dubuque Racing
Association for improvements and beautification of Chaplain Schmitt Island honoring veterans
of all wars.
Controlled Livestock Grazing - Drafted ordinance amendments and assisted with program
development of controlled livestock grazing within the City.
Maquoketa Drive Investigation - Worked with the Police Department, other City departments,
and the County Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute alleged water theft from a bulk
water account in the City.
Water and Sewer Service to Table Mound, Kerrigan Heights, and Rockdale Road
Customers - Negotiation and execution of memorandum of understanding contemplating
improvements to the existing private water distribution and sewer collection systems serving
Table Mound Mobile Home Park, Kerrigan Heights, and Rockdale Road customers in
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preparation for this private system’s future connection to City water distribution and sewer
collection systems.
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative Franchise Agreement
Black Hills Energy Franchise Agreement
Dupaco Development Agreement
Fiber Lease Agreements: Alliant, AT&T, Aueron, Comelec, CS, ImOn, Mediacom,
Extenet, ICN, Nvidia, Unite, USCC, Verizon, Win, and Windstream
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agreements and Real Estate Purchase
Transactions
Medline Development Agreement
Prairie Farms Development Agreement
Twilight-Scales Mound Packet Co Docking License Agreement
Kerper Sanitary Sewer Agreements
DRA/IGA Agreement
On-Going & Future Initiatives
South Pointe - Working with Developer for a residential development on Rockdale Road;
urban renewal identified as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements while stimulating
private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income housing through
the City.
Housing TIFs - On-going work with multiple developers to explore the use of Housing TIF to
facilitate housing development.
English Ridge URA Amendment and North Cascade Road URA Amendment - Added
property to urban renewal area for purposes of facilitating additional public improvements
which were not contemplated at the time of original adoption to facilitate construction and
funding of CIWA water purchase.
CIWA - Settlement Agreement signed January 2017. Addition of pump station and extension
of water lines to expand service further beyond city limits and to areas in the Highway 20 and
Southwest Arterial corridors. Assist with connection of new and expanded service areas to
existing City water distribution system.
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Pre-Annexation Agreements - Continue planned and managed growth and corresponding
service extensions through the execution of pre-annexation agreements with property owners
living in annexation study areas.
Abandoned Property Reclamation (Iowa Code 657A.10A) - Work with City departments to
identify abandoned/vacant properties throughout the City and successfully obtain title to the
properties; rehabilitate the properties and sell to new home owners.
Monitoring of Vulnerable Properties - Tracking of properties in foreclosure, bank-owned
property, County owned property, and property for which the County is eligible to take
ownership.
Voluntary Compliance Agreement - On-going compliance with the Housing and Urban
Development’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement. Forty hours of training provided to City staff
as well as required Board/Commission members and City Council.
Enhanced Neighborhood Support - Collaborate with departments to enforce City Code
violations and to ensure compliance with judgments and court orders.
Source of Income - On-going committee work and research as part of the two-year process
to provide further direction to City Council.
Departmental and Legal Code Enforcement - Collaboration with departments to develop
work flow processes and procedures resulting in more consistent, uniform code enforcement
and data gathering and tracking for properties throughout the City.
Rent to Own - Meeting with State representative to discuss data gathering and evaluate
whether state regulation is necessary.
Interstate Transmission Company Franchise Agreement
Gavilon Lease Agreements
Continued Monitoring ICAP Litigation
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Performance Measures
City Attorney's Office - Activity Statement
Provide legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, and all officials and departments of the City in matters
relating to their official duties.
Goal: Financially Responsible, High Performance City Organization
Outcome #1: Provide timely, cost-efficient, quality services, and advice to support the
City Council, City Manager, and all City departments in fulfilling their missions and
goals.
By providing general counsel, the City Attorney’s Office reduces the City’s cost from having to consult with
outside counsel and provides timely and effective legal advice to departments and partner agencies. This
also ensures City staff complies with all laws and regulations and allows the City to respond to citizens,
City staff, and community needs and projects in an expedited and effective manner.
• GENERAL COUNSEL - Provide day-to-day legal advice to City Council, the City
Manager, administration, and boards and commissions of the City; attend meetings,
conferences, and City Council meetings/work sessions to ensure City staff is complying
with all laws and regulations.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
• LEGAL OPINIONS - Research and draft opinions on legal matters in response to
requests of City Council and other City officials.
• CONTRACTS AND OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENTS - Draft and/or review contracts and
other legal documents to which the City is a party such as development agreements,
which bring jobs and growth to the City.
• CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY - Prepare deeds, examine titles, and conduct
closings necessary for acquisition and disposition of real property.
• ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - Research relevant law and prepare measures to
implement policy decisions of City staff.
Goal: Partnering for a Better Dubuque
Outcome #2: Provide excellent customer service and promote workplace diversity.
The City Attorney’s Office acquires information that is useful to the City Attorney’s Office in performing
its services and cooperates with local organizations to provide timely and effective services, and also
allows the City Attorney’s Office to operate more effectively.
• TRAINING – Provide training such as landlord, fair housing, and leadership training and
advice to assist in implementation of City policies.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE - Provide courteous and timely referrals and response to citizen
inquiries.
Staff of the City Attorney’s Office attend annual conferences which provide advances and
developments to the law so that staff can effectively communicate the changes to other City staff.
• CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION - City Attorney Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City
Attorney Maureen Quann, and Senior Counsel Barry Lindahl attended a total of 140
hours of continuing legal education during 2017.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
CITY STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY
Barry Lindahl Crenna Brumwell Maureen Quann
Adjunct Lecturer at the
University of Iowa College of
Law
Board Member, Foster
Grandparent Program, part of
United Way
Serves on the Dubuque
Museum of Art Special Events
Committee
Board member for Mentor
Dubuque
Member of the Riverview
Center Board of Directors
City’s Prescott School
Partnership
Trustee on the Clarke
University Board of Trustees
Every Child/Every Promise
Goal: Great Place to Live
Outcome #3: Advance, advocate, and safeguard the interests of the City within the
bounds of the law and sustain City operations by assuring the City operates in
accordance with municipal law.
The City Attorney’s Office provides timely and effective legal advice on all legal issues and disputes.
This helps reduce the costs of services by preventing future lawsuits and claims.
• LITIGATION / LAWSUITS - Handle civil cases initiated by the City or brought against
the City and provide a defense from lawsuits for the City and City employees and
protects public taxpayers from lawsuits and assures the City operates according to law.
• HUMAN RIGHTS – Administration, screening, review, and investigation of third party
complaints of discrimination filed under Title 8 of the City Code; Review of Action Plan
and Voluntary Compliance Agreement with HUD for complying with terms and
conditions.
• SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR COURT – Responsible for the prosecution of all violations of
City criminal and civil codes before the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County.
• CLAIMS – Process and investigate all claims filed against the City of Dubuque and
collaborate with Public Entity Risk Services for those in excess of the deductible.
• GRIEVANCE ARBITRATIONS AND CIVIL SERVICE APPEALS – Represent the City in
grievance arbitrations and hearings before the Civil Service Commission.
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Recommended Operating Revenue Budget - Department Total
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
Fund Account Account Title
FY17 Actual
Revenue
FY18 Actual
Revenue
FY19 Adopted
Budget
FY20 Recomm'd
Budget
100 46205 COUNTY SHARE 6,942 4,400 3,000 3,000
46 LOCAL GRANT AND REIMBURSE - Total 6,942 4,400 3,000 3,000
100 53201 REFUNDS 0 776 0 0
100 53620 REIMBURSEMENTS-GENERAL 699 529 0 0
53 MISCELLANEOUS - Total 699 1,305 0 0
100 59280 FR SECTION 8 HOUSING 820 820 0 0
100 59290 FR CABLE TV 573 573 0 0
100 59610 FR WPC OPERATING 104,743 157,415 159,985 165,986
100 59620 FR STORMWATER OPERATING 33,368 36,268 37,468 45,895
100 59630 FR PARKING OPERATING 17,215 18,111 18,318 21,553
100 59640 FR WATER UTILITY 0 9,627 28,797 35,970
100 59670 FR REFUSE COLLECTION 129,671 128,529 131,747 149,802
100 59940 FR DMASWA 53,269 78,707 79,992 82,990
59 TRANSFER IN AND INTERNAL - Total 339,659 430,050 456,307 502,196
LEGAL SERVICES - Total 347,300 435,755 459,307 505,196
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Recommended Operating Expenditure Budget - Department Total
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
Fund Account Account Title
FY17 Actual
Expense
FY18 Actual
Expense
FY19 Adopted
Budget
FY 20 Recomm'd
Budget
100 61010 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES 418,730 417,673 430,905 498,119
100 61020 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES 74,511 111,108 109,734 112,234
100 61050 OVERTIME PAY 3,012 1,770 3,000 3,000
100 61091 SICK LEAVE PAYOFF 10,938 14,968 14,957 14,968
100 61092 VACATION PAYOFF 8,565 ———
100 61310 IPERS 44,315 47,485 51,893 58,483
100 61320 SOCIAL SECURITY 35,969 39,590 39,856 45,656
100 61410 HEALTH INSURANCE 63,600 63,600 57,240 43,560
100 61415 WORKMENS' COMPENSATION 1,910 1,974 1,627 1,511
100 61416 LIFE INSURANCE 269 257 275 281
100 61655 CAR ALLOWANCE 6,004 5,988 6,073 6,164
61 - WAGES AND BENEFITS 667,823 704,413 715,560 783,976
100 62010 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,565 1,063 1,565 500
100 62030 POSTAGE AND SHIPPING 977 639 977 658
100 62031 PROCESSING MATERIALS 380 175 300 175
100 62050 OFFICE EQUIPMENT MAINT 225 226 232 226
100 62061 DP EQUIP. MAINT CONTRACTS 4,308 4,399 4,326 4,497
100 62062 JANITORIAL SUPPLIES ———50
100 62110 COPYING/REPRODUCTION 3,418 1,958 3,418 2,615
100 62130 LEGAL NOTICES & ADS 22 ———
100 62170 SUBSCRIPTIONS-BOOKS-MAPS 14,237 14,042 14,948 15,695
100 62190 DUES & MEMBERSHIPS 3,080 2,851 3,080 2,908
100 62206 PROPERTY INSURANCE 141 132 ——
100 62208 GENERAL LIABILITY INSURAN 2,775 2,293 1,951 2,079
100 62211 PROPERTY TAX 6,668 6,484 6,668 7,236
100 62221 DAMAGE CLAIMS 35,409 108,231 137,848 91,380
100 62230 COURT COSTS & RECORD FEES 1,491 45 1,491 45
100 62310 TRAVEL-CONFERENCES 5,943 4,808 8,950 8,950
100 62320 TRAVEL-CITY BUSINESS 898 991 1,000 1,000
100 62340 MILEAGE/LOCAL TRANSP 246 257 300 288
100 62360 EDUCATION & TRAINING 13,987 12,581 13,500 13,500
100 62411 UTILITY EXP-ELECTRICITY 1,608 1,586 1,809 1,586
100 62412 UTILITY EXP-GAS 456 506 479 506
100 62421 TELEPHONE 3,587 3,574 3,587 4,198
100 62424 RADIO/PAGER FEE 293 301 309 313
100 62433 CUSTODIAL SERVICES 3,975 4,004 4,082 4,160
100 62436 RENTAL OF SPACE 22,338 23,316 23,737 24,688
100 62663 SOFTWARE LICENSE EXP 51 47 51 50
100 62667 DATA SERVICES 361 456 361 576
100 62713 LEGAL SERVICES 87,758 5,489 ——
100 62714 ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE 28,711 963 14,724 14,724
100 62756 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION ——250 100
62 - SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 244,908 201,417 249,943 202,703
100 71120 PERIPHERALS, COMPUTER ———950
100 71123 SOFTWARE —311 ——
100 71124 COMPUTER ———2,275
100 71211 DESKS/CHAIRS ———4,350
100 72418 TELEPHONE RELATED 566 1,386 500 2,142
71 - EQUIPMENT 566 1,697 500 9,717
76 - LEGAL SERVICES TOTAL 913,297 907,527 966,003 996,396
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Recommended Expenditure Budget Report by Activity & Funding Source
76 - LEGAL SERVICES
LEGAL SERVICES - 76100
FUNDING SOURCE: GENERAL
Account FY18 Actual Expense FY19 Adopted Budget FY20 Recomm'd Budget
EQUIPMENT 1,697 500 9,717
SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 201,418 249,943 202,703
WAGES AND BENEFITS 704,413 715,560 783,976
LEGAL SERVICES 907,528 966,003 996,396
LEGAL SERVICES TOTAL $907,527.63 $966,003.00 $996,396.00
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C I T Y O F D U B U Q U E , I O W A
DEPARTMENT DETAIL - PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
76 LEGAL DEPARTMENT
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020
FD JC WP-GR JOB CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
61010 Full Time Employee Expense
100 430 GE-29 PARALEGAL 2.00 $117,686 2.00 $120,201 2.00 $123,491
100 600 GE-42 ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 1.00 $135,919 1.00 $139,787 1.00 $142,980
100 625 Contract CITY ATTORNEY 1.00 $139,469 1.00 $170,917 1.00 $174,721
100 625 GE-32 CIVIL RIGHTS SPECIALIST 0.00 $—0.00 $—1.00 $56,927
100 225 GE-25 LEGAL ASSISTANT II 0.00 $—0.00 $—0.00 $—
TOTAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES 4.00 $393,074 4.00 $430,905 5.00 $498,119
61020 Part Time Employee Expense
100 4477 Contract SENIOR COUNSEL 0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734 0.62 $112,234
TOTAL PART TIME EMPLOYEES 0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734 0.62 $112,234
TOTAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT 4.62 $501,180 4.62 $540,639 5.62 $610,353
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ACTIVITY PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT SUMMARY
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020
ACCT FD JC WP-GR POSITION CLASS FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET FTE BUDGET
Legal Services-FT
10076100 61010 100 625 CONT CITY ATTORNEY 1.00 $139,469 1.00 $170,917 1.00 $174,721
10076100 61010 100 600 GE-42
ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY 1.00 $135,919 1.00 $139,787 1.00 $142,980
10076100 61010 100 3600 GE-29 PARALEGAL 2.00 $117,686 2.00 $120,201 2.00 $123,491
10076100 61010 100 GE-32
CIVIL RIGHTS
SPECIALIST 0.00 $—0.00 $—1.00 $56,927
10076100 61010 100 4440 GE-25 LEGAL ASSISTANT 0.00 $—0.00 $—0.00 $—
Total 4.00 $393,074 4.00 $430,905 5.00 $498,119
Legal Services - PT
10076100 61020 100 4477 CONT SENIOR COUNSEL 0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734 0.62 $112,234
Total 0.62 $108,106 0.62 $109,734 0.62 $112,234
TOTAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT 4.62 $501,180 4.62 $540,639 5.62 $610,353
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CITY
ATTORNEY’S
OFFICE
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Barry Lindahl, Senior Counsel
Maureen Quann, Assistant City Attorney
Tracey Stecklein, Paralegal
Jenny Messerich, Paralegal
2
CRENNA
o South Pointe -Working with Developer for a residential development on Rockdale Road; urban
renewal identified as a mechanism for facilitating public improvements while stimulating
private development and the provision of funds for low and moderate income housing through
the City
o Housing TIFs -On-going work with multiple developers to explore the use of Housing TIF to
facilitate housing development
o Voluntary Compliance Agreement -On-going compliance with the Housing and Urban
Development’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement. Forty hours of training provided to City staff
as well as required Board/Commission members and City Council
o Rent to Own -Meeting with State representative to discuss data gathering and evaluate
whether state regulation is necessary
3
CRENNA
o Human Rights Cases -Closed 13 cases, including investigation and interviews, resulting in 7
administrative closures, 4 mediation, 1 no probable cause, and 1 referral to the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission
o ICRC/HUD –Defense of complaints filed against the City
•4 Iowa Civil Rights Commission
o Monthly meetings on enforcement of new nuisance ordinance standards -Since August of 2014,
63,425 calls, complaints, or otherwise have been evaluated. The evaluation resulted in 278
properties identified with three (3) or more calls for service. The properties have received
follow-up with either the residents, property owners, or both
o Source of Income –On-going committee work and research as part of the two-year process to
provide further direction to City Council
4
CRENNA
o Inventory of Marginal Properties –Tracking of properties in foreclosure, bank-owned property,
enforcement properties, County owned property, and property for which the County is eligible
to take ownership
o Acquiring Title to Properties –Work with City departments to identify abandoned/vacant
properties throughout the City and successfully obtain title to the properties; rehabilitate the
properties and sell to new home owners
•14 properties awarded to City
•2 properties -owners resolved issues after petition filed
•4 petitions pending
•11 properties under evaluation
5
BARRY
o Southwest Arterial Project Property Acquisitions -Condemnation appeals in District Court and
Supreme Court
o Bee Branch Project Property Acquisitions -Continuing environmental issues for Morrison
Brothers Property and Blum Properties for the Bee Branch Project
o Bee Branch Railroad Project -Finalize construction documents and negotiation documents for
the railroad acquisition for the Bee Branch Project
o Flexsteel, Inc.-Monitoring Development Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Redevelopment
Project Agreement with Flexsteel, Inc. and Dubuque Initiatives
o Property Tax Appeals -Disposed of eight property tax appeals on behalf of the Board of Review
6
BARRY
o 3000 Jackson Street -Worked with City staff and new owners to create a development
agreement and pathway toward demolition, stabilization, safety, and repair of this historically
significant building
o Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative Franchise Agreement
o Black Hills Energy Franchise Agreement
o Dupaco Development Agreement
o Fiber Lease Agreements: Alliant, AT&T, Aueron, Comelec, CS, ImOn, Mediacom, Extenet, ICN,
Nvidia, Unite, USCC, Verizon, Win, and Windstream
o Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency Agreements and Real Estate Purchase
Transactions
o \
7
BARRY
o Medline Development Agreement
o Prairie Farms Development Agreement
o Twilight-Scales Mound Packet Co Docking License Agreement
o Kerper Sanitary Sewer Agreements
o Dubuque Racing Association/Iowa Greyhound Association Agreement
o Interstate Transmission Company Franchise Agreement
o Gavilon Lease Agreements
o Continued Monitoring ICAP Litigation
8
MAUREEN
o Key West Drive and Twin Ridge Areas -Water and utility extensions coordinated with purchase
of water system and county road improvements. Increased water pressure and quality to
residents in these areas and expanded water service further beyond city limits south and
toward the Airport
o Water and Other Utility Extensions -Obtained easements and properties necessary to run
utilities beyond city limits out to the airport; secure new and future utility customers outside of
city limits through the annexation process
o The Miracle League of Dubuque -Negotiation and execution of partnership agreement and
Lease for Miracle League Complex on City park land
o Chaplain Schmitt Island -Negotiation and execution of agreement with the Dubuque Racing
Association for improvements and beautification of Chaplain Schmitt Island honoring veterans
of all wars
9
MAUREEN
o Controlled Livestock Grazing -Drafted ordinance amendments and assisted with program
development of controlled livestock grazing within the City
o Maquoketa Drive Investigation -Worked with the Police Department, other City departments,
and the County Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute alleged water theft from a bulk
water account in the City
o Water and Sewer Service to Table Mound -Negotiation and execution of memorandum of
understanding contemplating improvements to the existing private water distribution and
sewer collection systems serving Table Mound Mobile Home Park customers in preparation for
this private system’s future connection to City water distribution and sewer collection systems
o Pre-Annexation Agreements -Continue planned and managed growth and corresponding
service extensions through the execution of pre-annexation agreements with property owners
living in annexation study areas
10
MAUREEN
11
o CIWA -Settlement Agreement signed December 2016. Addition of pump station and extension
of water lines to expand service further beyond city limits and to areas in the Highway 20 and
Southwest Arterial corridors. Assist with connection of new and expanded service areas to
existing City water distribution system
o Enhanced Neighborhood Support –Collaborate with departments to enforce City Code
violations and to ensure compliance with judgments and court orders
o Departmental and Legal Code Enforcement –Collaboration with departments to develop work
flow processes and procedures resulting in more consistent, uniform code enforcement and
data gathering and tracking for properties throughout the City.
MAUREEN
o Litigation, Arbitration, and Civil Service Hearings
•Represented the City of Dubuque in the prosecution of approximately 1,300 simple
misdemeanors and municipal infractions
•Represented the City in workforce arbitration proceedings
•Represented the City in civil service hearings
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•Construction and bidding
•Right of way management
•Affordable Care Act Compliance
•Federal and state case law updates
•Transportation network companies (Uber)
regulation
•Drone regulation
•Supreme Court EEOC decisions
•Voting Rights Act
•Federal Endangered Species Act
•Land use regulations
•Telecommunications and broadband
legislation
•Legislative prayer limitations
•Body cameras
•Handling police shootings
•Stormwater regulation
•Outdoor lighting
•Disaster preparedness
•Nuisance properties and abatement
•Securities law for municipalities
•Civil rights liability of municipalities
•Environmental law
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
109 TOTAL HOURS OF CLE ATTENDED DURING 2018
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BARRY, CRENNA, & MAUREEN
TRACEY
Claims
o Prepare Report to Council
o Investigate and correspond with Public Entity Risk Services Claim Representative, Department
Manager, and Claimant through claim resolution
o The Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) was established in 1986 as a group self-
insurance program for Iowa public entities under Iowa Code Section 670.7
o ICAP’s primary goal is to provide for the joint and cooperative action of its members (relative
to their financial and administrative resources) for two purposes: to provide risk management
services and risk-sharing facilities to members and their employees and to protect each
member of the pool against liability
o ICAP claims are handled by Public Entity Risk Services of Iowa (PERSI), a specialty claims and
loss control service firm
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TRACEY
o Property Tax Appeals -Assist Senior Counsel and City Assessor with correspondence, court
proceedings, and preparation and filing of settlement documents
o Process garnishments documents
o Prepare Real Estate Documents for Property Acquisitions/Sales
o Prepare/efile appeals, briefs, and other court documents
o Maintain/Monitor budget
o Manage Accounts Payables/Purchase Orders
o Manage payroll
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JENNY
Simple Misdemeanor Court
o Prepare/file documents for court appearances
o Correspond with outside counsel, police officers, judges, and court administration, and citizens
regarding their court cases
o File municipal infractions
o Issue subpoenas
o Follow-up on court orders
o Assist Maureen in preparing for trials
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JENNY
o Human Rights Investigations –Draft correspondence, schedule interviews, and monitor files
o Bankruptcies and Foreclosures –Notify City staff and monitor files
o Nuisance Ordinance/Standards –Compile monthly information
o Property Lists and Transactions –Track monthly information, prepare correspondence and closing
documents
o Tobacco Compliance –Work with Police Department to enforce violations of compliance checks
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IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE REQUEST
o Civil Rights Specialist
•Accepts, reviews, and investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, public
accommodations, housing, credit, and education and other areas within the City organization
and community at-large and performs both internal and community education
•Supports the City Council goal of a “Financially Responsible, High-Performance City
Organization”
•Salary Grade GE-32
•Recurring cost of $78,815 and non-recurring cost of $7,825
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Questions?
Thank you!
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